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Celebrity attorney Gloria Allred says she is in Wyoming to support victims of sexual abuse

Jamila Love Williams, 35, a Grand Rapids Public Prep Academy teacher, appears for her preliminary trial in Wyoming District Court Wednesday, June 19, 2013. She is charged with having sexual encounters with two students, ages 15 and 16. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)

WYOMING, MI – When asked what brought famed celebrity attorney Gloria Allred to a suburban district court, she said she is here only to support the alleged teen victims of a sexually predatory teacher.

Jamila Love Williams, a Grand Rapids University Prep teacher, waived her probable cause hearing today on four counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, meaning the case moves to felony court where she could face as much as 15 years in prison.

Williams admitted to having sex with two boys, one 15 years old and the other 16, according to police.

The 35-year-old mother of four — including one 19-year-old – and her attorney will continue to negotiate with the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office to reach a plea agreement. But if a deal can’t be reached, the charges could be increased to first-degree criminal sexual conduct which carries a maximum life sentence, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Becker said.

Following the brief hearing, Allred huddled with the two alleged victims and the boys’ mothers in an empty courtroom at the Wyoming District Court.

She later told reporters she has not been retained by the victim families, but the Los Angeles-based attorney declined to discuss whether she is being compensated.

“I’m here to support these victims and their mothers,” Allred said. “I take these claims against teachers very seriously.”

Allred is lawyer of three decades who is seen frequently as an expert on television shows and is known for her involvement in cases involving the rights of women. She is likely most well remembered for representing Nicole Brown Simpson’s family during the O.J. Simpson murder trial.

Allred said the victims lived with single mothers who cannot be with their children 24 hours per day and trusted the Grand Rapids Public Schools system to protect their children while they learned.

“I think they are very courageous moms,” Allred said.

She said she was happy the probable cause hearing was waived to spare the boys from having to testify.

She said she believes that the cases of female teachers sexually abusing students is on the rise and is troubling.

“Boys can also be victimized — they are still children,” Allred said.

Allred would not comment on whether a civil suit is pending, but said she will return to Grand Rapids whenever her support is needed, schedule permitting.

“I believe they have a right to support,” she said.

Williams quickly exited the court with her attorney, neither of whom answered questions.

Williams allegedly had sex with the students in a park, in cars, at one the home of one of the boys and in an alley.

The case was moved to Wyoming District Court because she is related to a Grand Rapids city attorney. It now moves to Kent County Circuit Court.

Grand Rapids Public Schools has placed her on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal cases.